Dinner

Cheese Stuffed Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

BySimon Carel November 29, 2025November 29, 2025

Introduction

Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining juicy ground beef with creamy melted brie inside. These bite-sized treats are perfect as appetizers or a savory snack, especially when paired with tangy cranberry sauce.

A white plate holds about nineteen round, crispy meatballs with a golden-brown crumb coating, each topped with small green herb pieces and pierced with short light wooden toothpicks. To the side on the same plate, a small white bowl is filled with chunky, bright red cranberry sauce. The meatballs' texture appears crunchy outside with a darker, tender inside layer visible on a few pieces. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
2 ounces brie (cut into 16 pieces)
1 tablespoon avocado oil
¼ cup breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Avocado oil cooking spray
Cranberry sauce (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat an air fryer to 400ºF.
Step 2: Flatten and divide the ground beef into 16 equal portions. Place a piece of brie cheese in the center of each portion.
Step 3: Rub avocado oil on the palms of your hands to prevent sticking, then carefully roll each portion into a meatball, enclosing the cheese completely. Make sure they are well sealed.
Step 4: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Roll each meatball in this mixture and set aside.
Step 5: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches. Spray them lightly with avocado oil cooking spray.
Step 6: Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes or until browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 7: Serve warm with cranberry sauce for dipping, if desired.

Tips & Variations

To keep the cheese from leaking, ensure the meatballs are tightly sealed around the brie pieces.
Try swapping brie for mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the meatballs at 400ºF for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 350ºF until warmed through to maintain crispness and melted cheese.